Concrete · Patios & walkways
Concrete Patios, Slabs and Walkways in Brentwood, CA
A plain concrete patio, slab or walkway is the budget-friendly flatwork option. Here is what to expect, what to ask, and when stamped concrete or pavers fit better.
How this site works: Brentwood Concrete & Pavers is an independent referral site. We don't pour concrete or install pavers. When you send a request, we pass it to an independent local contractor who measures, quotes and contracts with you directly. Use the checklists here with any contractor, including one we refer.
Slabs, patios and walkways
This page covers plain poured concrete for patios, slabs and walkways, including steps and landings. Decorative stamped work has its own page, and paver systems are a different build with a different base. If you are not sure which you want, start with the concrete vs pavers guide.
Thickness, base and joints
HomeGuide says most residential patios should be at least 4 inches thick, with 6 inches recommended for heavy loads. Beyond thickness, ask about the base under the slab, how the surface will slope away from the house so water drains, and where the control joints will go. A good quote names each of these. If a quote says only "pour patio, $X," ask for more detail.
Finish options
HomeGuide lists these national ranges for common finishes (HomeGuide):
- Broom finish: about $6 to $13 per square foot
- Exposed aggregate: about $7 to $18 per square foot
- Stained concrete: about $8 to $25 per square foot
- Stamped or decorative: about $9 to $30 per square foot
A broom finish adds texture, which helps with traction. Smooth finishes can be slippery when wet, so ask about the finish near a pool or an entry step.
Steps, landings and walkways
Steps and landings add forming labor and are usually quoted separately or as extras. For walkways, width and length drive the square footage. Mention them when you request a quote so the contractor can measure the whole job.
What changes the price
Size, demolition of anything already there, base work, thickness and reinforcement, finish, slope, access and steps all matter. For reference, HomeGuide lists plain concrete patios at about $4 to $12 per square foot installed, and a 20x20 patio at $1,600 to $4,800 (HomeGuide). That is a wide range because jobs vary. The concrete cost guide shows more sizes and the sources behind each number.
When another option fits better
- Stamped concrete if you want a stone, brick or wood-plank look in poured concrete
- Paver patios if you prefer individual units that can be lifted and re-laid
- Resurfacing if you already have a sound slab that looks tired
Prepare before you get quotes
- Measure the area, or tell us the rough size
- Say where water drains now and where you would like it to go
- Check your HOA rules for color, finish or footprint changes
- Verify each contractor's license at cslb.ca.gov
Sources
- HomeGuide — Concrete Patio Cost (Jul 10, 2025)
- HomeGuide — Cost of Pavers vs. Concrete (May 30, 2025)
- HomeGuide — Stamped Concrete Cost (Dec 23, 2025)
Common questions
How much does a 20x20 concrete patio cost?
HomeGuide lists $1,600 to $4,800 for a 20x20 (400 square foot) concrete patio nationally. A contractor's quote depends on prep, finish and access. See the concrete cost guide for the math and the sources.
How thick should a concrete patio be?
HomeGuide says most residential patios should be at least 4 inches thick, with 6 inches recommended for heavy loads. Ask the contractor to state thickness, base and reinforcement in the quote.
What are the downsides of a concrete patio?
Concrete can crack from shrinkage, ground movement or temperature swings, and it can be slippery when wet depending on the finish. Control joints, a sound base and the right finish help. See the repair page and the stamped concrete pros and cons for more.
Should I choose a concrete patio or pavers?
Concrete is usually the lower-cost option; pavers cost more up front, resist cracking better and can be repaired one unit at a time. Our concrete vs pavers guide compares them side by side.
Get a concrete or paver quote
Tell us about your project. We pass your request to an independent concrete or paver contractor serving East Contra Costa, who contacts you to measure and quote. There's no cost to send a request.
- Takes about a minute
- No obligation to hire
- Ask for a written, itemized quote